Top-loading washing machine

Abstract

We offer a top-loading washing machine that enhances cleaning power. [Solution] The vertical washing machine comprises an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a rotor blade 5, water supply units 14, 40, 60, a drive unit 6, and a control unit 21. The control unit 21 performs a tub rotation process in which the washing tub 4 is continuously rotated in the same direction while water containing fine bubbles is accumulated in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 to a tub rotation water level lower than a predetermined wash setting water level W. After the tub rotation process, the control unit 21 performs a stirring process in which the rotor blade 5 is driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions alternately at predetermined time intervals while water containing fine bubbles is accumulated in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 to a predetermined wash setting water level W.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a vertical washing machine. 【Background Art】 【0002】 In a washing machine, there is a technique for enhancing the cleaning effect of laundry by using water containing fine bubbles and allowing the fine bubbles of the water to penetrate deep into the fibers of the laundry through the gaps between the fibers of the laundry such as clothes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-137385 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vertical washing machine capable of further enhancing the detergency as compared with the prior art. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 (1) The vertical washing machine according to the present disclosure comprises an outer tub for storing water, a washing tub rotatably disposed within the outer tub for storing laundry, a rotor provided at the bottom of the washing tub for agitating the laundry stored in the washing tub, a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tub, the water supply unit for generating fine bubbles in the supplied water, a drive unit for generating a driving force to rotate the washing tub and the rotor, and a control unit for controlling the water supply unit and the drive unit. The control unit performs a drum rotation process in which the drive unit continuously rotates the washing tub in the same direction while the water supply unit fills the washing tub and the outer tub with water containing fine bubbles up to a first water level lower than a predetermined wash setting water level, and after the drum rotation process, the water supply unit fills the washing tub and the outer tub with water containing fine bubbles up to a predetermined wash setting water level, and the drive unit drives the rotor blade to rotate in the forward and reverse directions alternately at predetermined time intervals, thereby agitating the laundry in the washing tub. 【0006】 According to the vertical washing machine described herein, before the agitation process in the washing cycle, the water supply unit fills the washing tub and outer tub with water containing fine bubbles up to a first water level lower than a predetermined wash setting water level, and the drive unit performs a tub rotation process in which the washing tub is continuously rotated in the same direction. In this way, by rotating the washing tub at high speed in the same direction at a low water level during the tub rotation process before the agitation process, centrifugal force is used to allow the fine bubbles in the washing water to penetrate deeper into the fibers of the laundry through the gaps between the fibers, thereby further enhancing the cleaning power of the laundry. 【0007】 (2) In the vertical washing machine described in (1), the control unit may, in the tub rotation process, fill the washing tub and the outer tub with detergent water, which is a mixture of water containing fine bubbles and detergent, by the water supply unit, and rotate the washing tub with the drive unit, and in the agitation process, fill the washing tub and the outer tub with detergent water, which is a mixture of water containing fine bubbles and detergent, by the water supply unit, and drive the rotor blade with the drive unit. 【0008】 According to this method, by rotating the washing tub at high speed in the same direction at a low water level during the tub rotation process before the agitation process, fine detergent foam (detergent foam containing a high concentration of surfactant) can be generated. At this time, the laundry is covered with fine foam taken into the washing tub. The foam containing a high concentration of surfactant penetrates the dirt attached to the clothes, making it easier to remove the dirt. This enhances the cleaning power of the laundry. 【0009】 (3) In the vertical washing machine described in (1) or (2), the control unit may rotate the washing tub by the drive unit while the water supply by the water supply unit is stopped during the tub rotation process. 【0010】 According to this, in the tank rotation process, splashing can be reduced by stopping the water supply from the water supply unit. 【0011】 (4) In the vertical washing machine described in any one of (1) to (3), the water supply unit may include an automatic detergent dispensing mechanism. 【0012】 According to this, detergent can be dispensed automatically. [Effects of the Invention] 【0013】 According to this disclosure, the washing power of a top-loading washing machine can be further enhanced compared to conventional models. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0014】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vertical washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of a top-loading washing machine, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the washing tub and outer tub in a top-loading washing machine. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a piping diagram of the processing liquid input device. [Figure 5]This is a block diagram of the processing sequence that specifically shows the contents of the washing process in a top-loading washing machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the washing tub and outer tub from above during the tub rotation process in the washing cycle. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0015】 An example of an embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals. 【0016】 (Configuration of a top-loading washing machine) Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vertical washing machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The vertical washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a pulsator 5 as an example of a rotor, a motor 6 as an example of a drive unit, and a clutch 7. 【0017】 The casing 2 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a box shape. An opening 2B is formed on the top surface 2A of the casing 2, connecting the inside and outside of the casing 2. A door 10 for opening and closing the opening 2B is provided on the top surface 2A. A display and operation unit 11, such as an LCD operation panel, may be provided around the opening 2B on the top surface 2A. The user of the top-loading washing machine 1 can select operating conditions for the washing cycle performed by the top-loading washing machine 1, or instruct the top-loading washing machine 1 to start or stop the washing cycle, by operating the display and operation unit 11. Information for the user is displayed on the display and operation unit 11. 【0018】 The outer tub 3 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 3 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A arranged along the vertical direction, a bottom wall 3B closing the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from below, and a ring-shaped annular wall 3C projecting toward the center of the circle of the circumferential wall 3A along the upper edge of the circumferential wall 3A. Inside the annular wall 3C, an entrance / exit 3D communicating with the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from above is formed. The entrance / exit 3D is in a state of communicating with the opening 2B of the housing 2 in a facing manner from below. A door 12 for opening and closing the entrance / exit 3D is provided on the annular wall 3C. On the lower surface of the annular wall 3C, a guide surface 3E inclined obliquely downward while surrounding the entrance / exit 3D is provided. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a disk shape extending substantially horizontally, and a through hole 3F penetrating the bottom wall 3B is formed at the center position of the circle of the bottom wall 3B. 【0019】 A water supply passage 13 (main water supply pipe 41, auxiliary water supply pipes 42 and 43 to be described later) connected to a faucet for tap water is connected to the annular wall 3C of the outer tub 3 from above. A water supply valve 14 (first automatic valve V1, check valve 44, second automatic valve V2 and third automatic valve V3 to be described later) is provided in the middle of the water supply passage 13. The water supply valve 14 may be constituted by, for example, an electromagnetic valve. A drain passage 15 is connected to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 from below. A drain valve 16 is interposed in the middle of the drain passage 15. The drain valve 16 is opened and closed by, for example, a torque motor (not shown). When the water supply valve 14 opens while the drain valve 16 is closed, water is supplied from the water supply passage 13 into the washing tub 4, and thus water is stored in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3. When the water supply valve 14 closes, the water supply stops. When the drain valve 16 opens, the water in the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine from the drain passage 15. 【0020】 An overflow port 30 for overflowing water when water above a predetermined full water level accumulates in the outer tub 3 is provided at the upper part of the outer tub 3. The overflow port 30 is connected to the upper end of an overflow passage 31, and the lower end of the overflow passage 31 joins the drain passage 15 on the downstream side of the drain valve 16. 【0021】 The washing tub 4 is made of metal, such as stainless steel, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can accommodate laundry Q inside. The washing tub 4 is arranged coaxially within the outer tub 3. When housed within the outer tub 3, the washing tub 4 is rotatable about an axis J that forms its central axis and extends vertically. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged along the vertical direction, a bottom wall 4B that closes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from below, and a ring-shaped annular wall 4C that protrudes toward axis J along the upper edge of the circumferential wall 4A. 【0022】 The inner surface of the circumferential wall 4A is the inner surface of the washing tub 4. The circumferential wall 4A is surrounded by the circumferential wall 3A of the outer tub 3. The bottom wall 4B is located at the lower end of the washing tub 4. The annular wall 4C is positioned opposite the annular wall 3C of the outer tub 3 from below. An inlet / outlet 4D is formed inside the annular wall 4C. The inlet / outlet 4D is located at the upper end of the washing tub 4, exposing the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side. The inlet / outlet 4D is in communication with the inlet / outlet 3D of the outer tub 3, facing it from below. The user loads and unloads laundry Q into and out of the washing tub 4 from above through the open opening 2B, inlet / outlet 3D, and inlet / outlet 4D. 【0023】 Numerous water passages 4E, formed, for example by punching holes, are created in the circumferential wall 4A and bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4. Water in the outer tub 3 flows back and forth between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the water passages 4E and accumulates in the washing tub 4. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 and the water level in the washing tub 4 are the same. 【0024】 The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in a disc shape and extends approximately parallel to the top of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3, with a gap between them. A through-hole 4F is formed in the bottom wall 4B at the center of the circle, coinciding with the axis J. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 17 that extends downward along the axis J, surrounding the through-hole 4F. The support shaft 17 is inserted through the through-hole 3F in the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 17 is located below the bottom wall 3B. 【0025】 The pulsator 5 is formed in a disc shape with axis J as its center and is positioned on the bottom wall 4B inside the washing tub 4. Multiple blades 5A are provided on the upper surface of the pulsator 5 facing the inlet / outlet 4D of the washing tub 4, arranged radially. The pulsator 5 is provided with a rotating shaft 18 that extends downward along axis J from its center. The rotating shaft 18 is inserted through the hollow portion of the support shaft 17, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 18 is located below the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3. 【0026】 Motor 6 is an electric motor such as an inverter motor. Motor 6 may be located inside the housing 2, on the lower surface of the outer tank 3. Motor 6 has an output shaft 19 that rotates about axis J, and outputs the generated driving force from the output shaft 19. 【0027】 The clutch 7 is interposed between the lower ends of the support shaft 17 and the rotating shaft 18, respectively, and the upper end of the output shaft 19 that protrudes upward from the motor 6. The clutch 7 selectively transmits the driving force output by the motor 6 from the output shaft 19 to one or both of the support shaft 17 and the rotating shaft 18. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 17, the washing tub 4 rotates around axis J in response to the driving force of the motor 6. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 18, the pulsator 5 rotates around axis J in response to the driving force of the motor 6. A known transmission mechanism is used as the clutch 7. The aforementioned torque motor (not shown) may also actuate the clutch 7. 【0028】 Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the vertical washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1. The vertical washing machine 1 includes a microcomputer 21 as a component of the control unit. The microcomputer 21 includes, for example, a CPU 22, memory 23 such as ROM or RAM, and a timer 24 for timing, and is built into the housing 2 (see Figure 1). 【0029】 The motor 6, clutch 7, water supply valve 14 (the first automatic valve V1, check valve 44, second automatic valve V2, and third automatic valve V3 described later), and drain valve 16 are each connected to the microcomputer 21, for example, via a drive circuit 25, and the display operation unit 11 described earlier is also connected to the microcomputer 21. The microcomputer 21 turns the motor 6 ON to drive it, and turns it OFF to stop it. The microcomputer 21 can also control the rotation direction of the motor 6. Therefore, the motor 6 can rotate in the forward direction or in the reverse direction. By controlling the clutch 7, the microcomputer 21 switches the destination of the driving force of the motor 6 to either the washing tub 4 or the pulsator 5, or both. The microcomputer 21 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 14 (the first automatic valve V1, check valve 44, second automatic valve V2, and third automatic valve V3 described later) and the drain valve 16. When the user operates the display operation unit 11 to select operating conditions, the microcomputer 21 accepts the selection. The microcomputer 21 controls the display content of the display operation unit 11. 【0030】 The top-loading washing machine 1 further includes a buzzer 26 connected to a microcomputer 21, a rotation speed reader 27, and a water level detection unit 28. The microcomputer 21 notifies the user of the start and end of the washing operation by generating a predetermined sound with the buzzer 26. 【0031】 The rotation speed reading device 27 is a device that reads the rotation speed of the motor 6, more precisely, the rotation speed of the output shaft 19 of the motor 6, and may be composed of, for example, a Hall IC. The rotation speed read by the rotation speed reading device 27 is input to the microcomputer 21 in real time. Based on the input rotation speed, the microcomputer 21 controls the motor 6 to rotate at the desired rotation speed by controlling the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the motor 6. The rotation speeds of the washing tub 4 and the pulsator 5 may be the same as the rotation speed of the motor 6, or they may be values ​​obtained by multiplying the rotation speed of the motor 6 by a predetermined constant such as the reduction ratio in the clutch 7. 【0032】 The water level detection unit 28 is a water level sensor that detects the water level in the outer tub 3, that is, the water level in the washing tub 4. As an example of the water level detection unit 28, a pressure-type water level sensor can be used to detect the water level in the outer tub 3 based on the pressure inside the outer tub 3. 【0033】 The microcomputer 21 controls the operation of the motor 6, clutch 7, water supply valve 14 (the first automatic valve V1, check valve 44, second automatic valve V2, and third automatic valve V3, which will be described later), and drain valve 16 to perform the washing operation. The washing operation consists of a washing step to wash the laundry Q, a rinsing step to rinse the laundry Q after the washing step, and a dewatering step to rotate the washing tub 4 after the rinsing step to dewater the laundry Q. The vertical washing machine 1 may also be a washer-dryer that performs a drying step to dry the laundry Q after the dewatering step. 【0034】 The washing process includes an agitation process in which the pulsator 5 is rotated to agitate the laundry Q. The washing process also includes a tub rotation process prior to the agitation process, in which the washing tub 4 is continuously rotated in the same direction. Details of the agitation and tub rotation processes in the washing process will be described later. 【0035】 In Figure 3, the washing set water level W is the set water level during the agitation process in the washing step, and the overflow water level is the water level at which detergent water overflows from the overflow port 30. The tank rotation water level is the set water level during the tank rotation process in the washing step, and the tank rotation rising water level is the water level when the tank rotation process is being performed. Details of the water levels during each of these processes in the washing step will be described later. 【0036】 Referring again to Figure 1, the vertical washing machine 1 is equipped with a treatment liquid injection device 40 (microbubble generating unit 60) for introducing the treatment liquid into the washing tub 4. The treatment liquid injection device 40 (microbubble generating unit 60), the aforementioned water supply passage 13 (main water supply pipe 41, auxiliary water supply pipes 42 and 43, which will be described later), and the water supply valve 14 (first automatic valve V1, check valve 44, second automatic valve V2 and third automatic valve V3, which will be described later) function as the water supply section. Figure 4 is a piping diagram of the treatment liquid injection device 40. 【0037】 The processing liquid injection device 40 is incorporated into the upper rear of the housing 2 such that the front of the processing liquid injection device 40 is exposed when the door 10 is open. As shown in Figure 4, the processing liquid injection device 40 includes, for example, three water supply pipes: a main water supply pipe 41 and auxiliary water supply pipes 42 and 43. These water supply pipes constitute the water supply channel 13. The diameter (cross-sectional area) of each pipe is set such that the water flow rate in the main water supply pipe 41 is greater than, for example, the water flow rate in the auxiliary water supply pipes 42 and 43. The main water supply pipe 41 is provided with, for example, a first automatic valve V1 and a check valve 44, and the auxiliary water supply pipes 42 and 43 are provided with a second automatic valve V2 and a third automatic valve V3, respectively. These valves constitute the water supply valve 14. The opening and closing operations of the first automatic valve V1, the second automatic valve V2, and the third automatic valve V3 are controlled by the microcomputer 21 (control unit). The processing liquid input device 40 can also be called an automatic processing liquid input device. 【0038】 The treatment liquid dispensing device 40 is equipped with a water inlet 55 for dispensing treatment liquid into the washing tub 4. The water inlet 55 is positioned above the washing tub 4. Inside the water inlet 55 are, for example, a first treatment agent container 56 and a second treatment agent container 57, which are connected to auxiliary water supply pipes 42 and 43, respectively. 【0039】 The processing liquid supply device 40 further includes, for example, three processing liquid supply units connected to the main water supply pipe 41: a first processing liquid supply unit 50A, a second processing liquid supply unit 50B, and a third processing liquid supply unit 50C. Each of the first processing liquid supply unit 50A, the second processing liquid supply unit 50B, and the third processing liquid supply unit 50C has a first processing liquid tank 51A, the second processing liquid tank 51B, and the third processing liquid tank 51C for containing various liquid agents, and a first pump unit 52A, the second pump unit 52B, and the third pump unit 52C for injecting the various liquid agents into the main water supply pipe 41 and mixing them with water. Examples of liquid agents applied to these multiple processing liquid supply units are not particularly limited, but include, for example, liquid detergents, fabric softeners, and other liquid agents. 【0040】 The processing liquid supply device 40 is located within the main water supply pipe 41 and includes a microbubble generating unit 60 that generates microbubbles in the water supplied to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 after passing through the main water supply pipe 41. The microbubble generating unit 60 is located in the upstream portion of the main water supply pipe 41. More specifically, the microbubble generating unit 60 is located upstream of the first connection part 54A, the second connection part 54B, and the third connection part 54C, which are the connection points between the first processing liquid supply part 50A, the second processing liquid supply part 50B, and the third processing liquid supply part 50C, respectively, and the main water supply pipe 41. 【0041】 Various known microbubble generating devices disclosed in Patent Document 1, etc., can be applied as the microbubble generating unit 60. Microbubbles refer to bubbles with a particle size of approximately 50 nm to 100 μm, for example. 【0042】 According to the processing liquid supply device 40 of this embodiment, microbubbles are generated when the supplied water passes through the microbubble generation unit 60, thereby generating microbubbles in the water that passes through the main water supply pipe 41 and is supplied to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. 【0043】 The microbubble generating unit 60 is located upstream of the first processing liquid supply unit 50A, the second processing liquid supply unit 50B, and the third processing liquid supply unit 50C (at least one processing liquid supply unit). In other words, the first processing liquid supply unit 50A, the second processing liquid supply unit 50B, and the third processing liquid supply unit 50C are located downstream of the microbubble generating unit 60. This configuration enables good foaming. 【0044】 (Operation of a top-loading washing machine) Figure 5 is a block diagram of the processing sequence that specifically shows the contents of the washing process in the vertical washing machine 1 according to this embodiment. 【0045】 When the user places the laundry Q into the washing tub 4 and instructs the machine to start the washing cycle, the microcomputer 21 starts the washing cycle. 【0046】 As shown in Figure 5, first, the microcomputer 21 detects the amount of laundry Q in the washing tub 4, i.e., the load (step S1). As an example of load detection, the microcomputer 21 can detect the load by the variation in the rotational speed of the motor 6 when the washing tub 4 is rotated steadily at a low speed. Based on the detected load, the microcomputer 21 determines the water level W (Figures 1 and 3) to be supplied and stored in the washing tub 4. The relationship between the water level W and the load is determined in advance through experiments and stored in memory 23. 【0047】 Next, as the first water supply process of the washing cycle, the microcomputer 21 continuously opens the water supply valve 14 to supply water (detergent water) into the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 (step S2). Since the drain valve 16 is closed, the water level in the washing tub 4 rises. When the water level in the washing tub 4 reaches the tub rotation water level, the microcomputer 21 stops the water supply by closing the water supply valve 14. This completes the water supply process. 【0048】 At this time, the microbubble generation unit 60 generates microbubbles in the supplied water. At this time, the processing liquid input device 40 may supply detergent water, which is a mixture of water containing microbubbles and detergent, or it may supply only water containing microbubbles. Furthermore, while the water is being supplied, the microcomputer 21 may continuously drive the motor 6 under conditions different from those of the loosening and stirring processes described later, thereby causing the pulsator 5 to rotate continuously in the same direction. For example, the pulsator 5 may rotate continuously in the same direction at a lower rotational speed (e.g., 30 rpm) than that of the loosening and stirring processes described later. 【0049】 Next, with water (detergent water) filling the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 up to the tub rotation water level, the microcomputer 21 may perform a loosening process (step S3). In the loosening process, the microcomputer 21 may intermittently drive the motor 6 under different conditions than those used in the agitation process described later, thereby reversing the pulsator 5 in the forward and reverse directions. In this embodiment, as an example, the pulsator 5 reverses direction at a higher rotational speed than during the agitation process, alternating between forward and reverse rotation at intervals of 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the agitation process. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 is loosened by the reversing pulsator 5. Therefore, any uneven distribution of the laundry Q is eliminated. Uneven distribution of laundry Q refers to the uneven distribution of laundry Q within the washing tub 4, and is also called an imbalance. After a predetermined loosening time has elapsed, the microcomputer 21 terminates the loosening process. 【0050】 Next, with water (detergent water) filling the washing tub 4 and outer tub 3 up to the tub rotation water level, the microcomputer 21 performs the tub rotation process (step S4). Specifically, first, the microcomputer 21 switches the clutch 7 so that the driving force of the motor 6 is transmitted from the pulsator 5 to the washing tub 4. Then, in the tub rotation process, the microcomputer 21 rotates the motor 6 at a predetermined set rotation speed (for example, about 200 rpm) so that the washing tub 4 rotates continuously in the same direction. As shown in Figure 3, the tub rotation water level is lower than the wash setting water level W and is stored in the memory 23 in advance. 【0051】 As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the water surface curves into a U-shape due to centrifugal force, with the center being lower and the outer edge being higher. In other words, the water level between the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 rises to the tub rotation rise level. The tub rotation water level may be set so that this tub rotation rise level is lower than the overflow water level. 【0052】 In this way, by rotating the washing tub 4 at high speed in the same direction at a low water level (solid arrow in Figure 6), centrifugal force is used to allow the fine bubbles of the washing water to penetrate deeper into the fibers of the laundry through the gaps between the fibers (dashed arrow in Figure 6), thereby further enhancing the cleaning power of the laundry. 【0053】 Furthermore, by rotating the washing tub 4 at high speed in the same direction at a low water level, fine detergent foam (detergent foam containing a high concentration of surfactant) can be generated in the space between the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3. The foam generated in the space between the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 is drawn into the washing tub 4 through the water passage holes 4E, etc. At this time, the laundry is covered with the fine foam drawn into the washing tub 4. The foam containing a high concentration of surfactant penetrates the dirt attached to the clothes, making it easier to remove the dirt. This enhances the cleaning power of the laundry. 【0054】 Furthermore, during the tank rotation process, splashing can be reduced by stopping the water supply. 【0055】 The microcomputer 21 measures time using the timer 24 and rotates the motor 6 until a predetermined tank rotation time has elapsed. Once the predetermined tank rotation time has elapsed, it stops the rotation of the motor 6 and terminates the tank rotation process. 【0056】 Next, referring again to Figure 5, the microcomputer 21, as the second water supply process of the washing process, continuously opens the water supply valve 14 to supply water to the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 (step S5). When the water level in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 reaches the wash set water level W (Figure 3) based on the load amount determined in load amount detection (step S1), the microcomputer 21 stops the water supply by closing the water supply valve 14. This completes the water supply process. 【0057】 At this time, the microbubble generation unit 60 generates microbubbles in the supplied water. At this time, the processing liquid input device 40 may supply detergent water, which is a mixture of water containing microbubbles and detergent, or it may supply only water containing microbubbles. Furthermore, during water supply, the microcomputer 21 may intermittently drive the motor 6 under conditions different from those of the loosening process and the stirring process described later, thereby reversing the pulsator 5 in the forward and reverse directions. For example, the pulsator 5 may reverse forward and reverse directions at a lower rotation speed (e.g., 90 rpm to 125 rpm) than that of the loosening process and the stirring process, so that it alternates between forward and reverse rotation at shorter time intervals than that of the stirring process (e.g., intervals of 0.7 seconds to 1.5 seconds). 【0058】 Next, with detergent water filling the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 up to the set washing water level W, the microcomputer 21 performs an agitation process (step S6). Specifically, the microcomputer 21 rotates the pulsator 5 by switching the clutch 7 as needed so that the driving force of the motor 6 is transmitted to the pulsator 5, and then driving the motor 6. The pulsator 5 may rotate continuously in the same direction, but in this embodiment, the intermittent driving of the motor 6 causes the pulsator 5 to rotate in both forward and reverse directions alternately at predetermined time intervals (for example, intervals of 1 to 2 seconds) at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 90 rpm to 150 rpm). During the agitation process, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is agitated and washed by the pulsator 5 rotating in both forward and reverse directions. The pulsator 5 may also rotate during the water supply process in step S7. After a predetermined agitation time has elapsed, the microcomputer 21 terminates the agitation process. 【0059】 After the agitation process, the microcomputer 21 may continue to perform a loosening process while detergent water remains in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 (step S7). In the loosening process, the microcomputer 21 may intermittently drive the motor 6 under different conditions than those used in the agitation process to reverse the pulsator 5. In this embodiment, as an example, the pulsator 5 reverses direction at a higher rotational speed than during the agitation process, alternating between forward and reverse rotation at intervals of 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the agitation process (equivalent to the loosening process in step S3). As a result, the laundry Q immersed in water in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 is loosened by the reversing pulsator 5. Therefore, any uneven distribution of the laundry Q is eliminated. Uneven distribution of laundry Q refers to the uneven distribution of laundry Q within the washing tub 4, and is also called an imbalance. After a predetermined loosening time has elapsed, the microcomputer 21 terminates the loosening process. 【0060】 Then, once the loosening process is complete, the microcomputer 21 opens the drain valve 16 and drains the detergent water accumulated in the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 (step S8), and the washing process ends. 【0061】 After the washing cycle is complete, the machine may perform intermediate spin-drying, shower rinse, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, and other processes, similar to conventional washing machines. 【0062】 As described above, according to the vertical washing machine 1 of this embodiment, before the agitation process in the washing process, the water supply unit fills the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3 with water containing fine bubbles to a tub rotation water level lower than a predetermined washing setting water level W, and the drive unit performs a tub rotation process in which the washing tub 4 is continuously rotated in the same direction. In this way, by rotating the washing tub at high speed in the same direction at a low water level during the tub rotation process before the agitation process, centrifugal force is used to allow the fine bubbles in the washing water to penetrate deeper into the fibers of the laundry through the gaps between the fibers, thereby further enhancing the cleaning power of the laundry. 【0063】 Furthermore, during the tub rotation process prior to the agitation process, by rotating the washing tub 4 at high speed in the same direction at a low water level, fine detergent foam (detergent foam containing a high concentration of surfactant) can be generated. At this time, the laundry is covered with the fine foam taken into the washing tub 4. The foam containing a high concentration of surfactant penetrates the dirt attached to the clothes, making it easier to remove the dirt. This enhances the cleaning power of the laundry. 【0064】 Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible. For example, in the embodiments described above, an example was given of applying water supply that generates microbubbles in the supplied water and tank rotation treatment to the washing process. However, the features of the present disclosure are not limited to this, and water supply that generates microbubbles in the supplied water and tank rotation treatment may also be applied to the rinsing process. Note that in the rinsing process, if water without microbubbles for adding fabric softener is supplied simultaneously with water containing microbubbles, the water pressure will drop, and water cannot be supplied until the siphon works, or residual water will remain. In this regard, in the rinsing process, it is preferable not to supply water containing microbubbles and water without microbubbles for adding fabric softener simultaneously. [Explanation of symbols] 【0065】 1. Top-loading washing machine 3 Outer tank 4. Washing tub 5. Pulsator (rotor blade) 6. Motor (drive unit) 14. Water supply valve (water supply section) 15A drain 16 Drain valve 21 Microcomputer (Control Unit) 30 Overflow outlet 40. Processing liquid input device (water supply section) 41 Main water pipe 50A First Processing Liquid Supply Unit 50B Second Processing Liquid Supply Unit 50C Third Processing Liquid Supply Unit 60 Microbubble generation section

Claims

[Claim 1] An outer tank for storing water, A washing tub for storing laundry is rotatably arranged inside the outer tub, A rotating blade is provided at the bottom of the washing tub for agitating the laundry contained in the washing tub, A water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tub, comprising a water supply unit that generates fine bubbles in the supplied water, A drive unit that generates a driving force to rotate the washing tub and the rotor blade, A control unit that controls the water supply unit and the drive unit, Equipped with, The control unit, With the water supply unit filling the washing tub and the outer tub with water containing fine bubbles up to a first water level lower than a predetermined wash setting water level, the drive unit rotates the washing tub continuously in the same direction in a tub rotation process. After the tub rotation process, the water supply unit fills the washing tub and the outer tub with water containing fine bubbles up to the predetermined wash water level, and the drive unit drives the rotor blade to rotate in both forward and reverse directions alternately at predetermined time intervals, thereby agitating the laundry in the washing tub. Execute Top-loading washing machine. [Claim 2] The control unit, In the aforementioned tub rotation process, with the water supply unit filling the washing tub and the outer tub with detergent water, which is a mixture of water containing fine bubbles and detergent, the drive unit rotates the washing tub. In the agitation process, the water supply unit fills the washing tub and the outer tub with detergent water, which is a mixture of water containing fine bubbles and detergent, and the drive unit drives the rotor blade. The vertical washing machine according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The vertical washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit rotates the washing tub with the drive unit while the water supply by the water supply unit is stopped during the tub rotation process. [Claim 4] The vertical washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the water supply unit includes an automatic dispensing mechanism for automatically dispensing detergent.

Images